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Business Studies - A Level at City of Oxford College

Course description

Investigate different types of organisations in different business sectors. Identify business problems and learn how to make well-informed decisions with A-level Business Studies. On this course we want you to develop an enthusiasm for studying business and gain a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s wants and needs

You develop the skills necessary for further academic study such as strong report writing and study skills including presentation skills.

You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. You benefit from individual support, including advice about higher education and careers.

Course content

First Year (AS)• Unit 1: “An Introduction to Business” i.e. the nature of business, its classification, business objectives, and other influences such as technological change, social, cultural, moral and ethical issues. • Unit 2: “Business Functions” i.e. marketing, accounting and finance, people in organisations, and operations management. Second Year (A2)• Unit 3: “Strategic Management” This will address the topics of: business objectives and strategy, business analysis, external influences, and managing change. • Unit 4: “People in Organisations”, covering the topics of: human relations, communication, organisation and controlling the activities of people at work, employer/employee relations, training and appraisals, and workforce performance measurement.

You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There will be a balance of challenge and support. You play an active part in your learning, with a strong focus on your individual learning needs.

Classes will take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are many enrichment opportunities, enabling you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.

Entry requirements

6 x C grades at GCSE including English and maths.

Assessment

Formal assessment is through examinations and (in some subjects) coursework. The examination periods are in May/June. There is a range of regular assignments, essays and class based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.

Future opportunities

With three A-levels you can progress to higher education to study a variety of different subjects at degree level. A-levels offer the high standard of education which many employers require as part of their entry criteria onto training programmes.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact City of Oxford College directly.

From Ring Road: use EITHER Banbury Road or Woodstock Road to city centre. At traffic lights, end of St. Giles (Map 1), turn right into Beaumont Street and follow signs to the rail station. At the second set of traffic lights, i.e. at the bottom of Park End Street, turn left into Oxpens Road (ice rink). The College is ¼ mile on the left.

From South (Newbury) A34: Turn off A34 to Southern bypass and make for Cowley. At next roundabout, turn left to city centre (park and ride on left). Follow Abingdon Road to end, form left towards ice rink and parks. The College is opposite the ice rink.

From A423 (Henley/Reading): Join ring road at (Sainsburys) and turn left to next roundabout and right to city centre and ice rink.

From East (London): M40/A40 At end of A40 turn left at roundabout signed Cowley. Continue on the ring road, (4 roundabouts) to Abingdon Road, city centre and ice rink.

From the train station: the campus is 10 minutes walk from the station.